Discrimination Hearing begins Tuesday 18th February, 10am
Sdyney(FDI) – In February 2002 a discrimination complaint against the Federation of Chinese Associations Victoria Inc. (FCA) was lodged by Melbourne Falun Dafa practitioners with the Victorian Equal Opportunity Commission.
A conciliation hearing failed to settle the matter, which was then referred to the Victorian Civil and Administrative Tribunal. Following mediation in November 2002, the FCA still refused to admit Falun Dafa to future Chinese New Year Festivals.
A public hearing has been scheduled for up to 5 days, beginning Tuesday 18th February 2003, 10am at the Victorian Civil Administrative Tribunal, 55 King St. Melbourne.
David Shaw of “Holding Redlich” is representing Falun Dafa on a pro bono basis.
Background
Falun Gong, also known as Falun Dafa, is a practice of meditation and exercises with teachings based on the universal principle of “Truthfulness-Compassion-Tolerance.” It is a practice that was taught in private for thousands of years before being made public in 1992 by Mr. Li Hongzhi. Falun Gong has roots in traditional Chinese culture, but it is distinct and separate from other practices such as the religions of Buddhism and Taoism. Since its introduction in 1992, it quickly spread by word of mouth throughout China, and is now practiced in over 50 countries.
With government estimates of as many as 100 million practicing Falun Gong, China’s President Jiang Zemin outlawed the peaceful practice in July 1999, fearful of anything touching the hearts and minds of more citizens than the Communist Party. Unable to crush the spirit of millions who had experienced improved health and positive life changes from Falun Gong, Jiang’s regime has intensified its propaganda campaign to turn public opinion against the practice while quietly imprisoning, torturing and even murdering those who practice it.
The Falun Dafa Information Centre has verified the specific details of 572 deaths since the persecution of Falun Gong in China began in 1999. Government officials inside China report that the actual death toll is well over 1,600, while expert sources estimate that figure to be much higher. Hundreds of thousands have been detained, with more than 100,000 being sentenced to forced labour camps, typically without trial.
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FOR MORE INFORMATION, PLEASE CONTACT: Dr. Michael Pearson-Smith 0409 500 271 ,
Kean Wong 0400 18 10 18
WEBSITES: www.falunau.org , www.faluninfo.net
E-MAIL : news@falunau.org
